Surprise pole

A sensation in Long Beach where the 1981 United States Grand Prix West was held, when Riccardo Patrese seized pole position right under the noses of the Williams cars of Alan Jones and Carlos Reutemann, the great favorites.

It was Patrese’s first F1 pole position, whose raw speed was beginning to be recognised, and surprisingly, it would remain the only pole position in the history of the Arrows team. In the race, the Italian bravely led the proceedings until his retirement due to mechanical problems on lap 33 of 80.

Reigning world champion Alan Jones won by nine seconds over his teammate Carlos Reutemann, thus winning his first Long Beach Grand Prix and consolidating his first place in the provisional 1981 championship standings. It was the third consecutive victory for the Australian (photo below), who was determined to defend his title.